Accountants & Financial Planners

Ross Harrison | Senior Accountant

Ross is a Senior Accountant here at JPA. He specialises in tax returns and advice for individuals and small to large businesses.

His journey as an Accountant began in 2010 and during that time he has learned that every client is different and a tailored approach is the best way to go.

He loves helping people with all their taxation needs and aims to give clients a better understanding to make their lives a little less stressful.

Ross studied at Monash University where he completed his degree in Business and Commerce. He is also a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA).

When he’s not crunching numbers, Ross enjoys hitting the gym, hanging out with his friends and most importantly spending time with his wife and their dogs Bane & Zarah.

Katie Pickersgill | Senior Accountant

Katie qualified as an accountant in 2009 and has mostly worked in taxation and auditing services for Self-Managed Superannuation Funds.

Katie then went on to gain further qualifications and attained a Diploma of Financial Planning (Level 1) in 2017 and intends to pursue further studies in SMSFs & Auditing.

Like her great dad, Katie is proud to belong to a small rural accounting firm that is active in the community, particularly in advocating mental health and supporting anti-cancer charities.

Katie is an affiliate member of the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA), the Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA), and the SMSF Association.

When not in the JPA sorting everyone's finances, Katie enjoys reading, listening to music and writing. Oh, and when she gets the chance loves to travel abroad.

Christopher May | Accountant

Since earning his Bachelor of Business and Commerce in 2015 and starting his accounting career under the personal guidance of Jim Pickersgill, Christopher’s career has soared and he is recognised as one of our greatest assets at the firm.

Christopher, who is also known as our ‘Quickbooks guru’ was raised on a dairy farm before working as builder on a beef farm.

He is a lover of the country landscape and his home on the rolling hills of Allambee South. You’ll find Christopher on his mountain bike, kayak fishing and working on his beautiful custom made cabinetry when he’s not at the office.

Syd Jackson | Gippsland Wealth Management

Syd Jackson is locally born and bred and he brings to JPA a variety of life experiences. After having taught in and directed school music programs in Melbourne, Syd returned to South Gippsland more than a decade ago. His extensive music teaching career, and the life experiences that this has provided, enables him to meaningfully engage with clients.

Syd is passionate about helping people and is an active member of the local community. He conducts a local concert band, is a school council member and belongs to various other community groups. He can even be seen playing the Last Post at Meeniyan’s ANZAC Day commemorations.

Having studied accounting and financial planning for a career change, Syd enthusiastically enters the profession mature aged and within a short time during work experience at JPA, he has clearly demonstrated that he will evolve into a highly skilled accountant and financial planner.

In Jim's words 'he's taken to it like a duck to water and will become another valuable member of our team.'

Syd loves spending time with his wife and two boys on their small acreage just outside Meeniyan and you may spot him on his bike on our country roads as he loves to take part in local road cycling events.

Veronica Greaves | NDIS Plan Manager

Veronica worked in the community for 15 years prior to having children. Her gorgeous kids and working on a 150 acre property in Koonwarra resulted in a break from the workforce. Veronica was keen to get make a comeback and after meeting with Jim, it wasn't long before she was recruited and now works 3 days per week with the JPA team. And when you meet Veronica, you'll quickly learn why.

She is empathetic and passionate about her NDIS role and loves being in a position where she can directly help others.

You may bump into Veronica on the rail trail where she escapes for a walk or jog and loves to getaway with the family on a camping trip.

Simone Cross | NDIS Plan Manager

Locally born and bred on a dairy farm at Leongatha South, Simones first job was as a Pharmacy Assistant in Melbourne before re-educating as a Beauty Therapist. Simone eventually launched her own salon which she ran for 14 years. This led to yet another career change as a Remedial Massage Therapist.

Simone now juggles massage therapy and working in the best work place environment ever as a NDIS Plan Manager. Simone describes the role as the most rewarding and interesting she has experienced and feels extremely passionate about this work and feels very blessed to be involved with the people in our community requiring this service.

When she is not at work Simone can usually be found in her garden and vegetable patch, or pounding the pavement or on the sand at Inverloch going for long walks.

Lisa O'Brien | PA to Jim Pickersgill + Gippsland Wealth Management

Having worked in the travel industry for 25 years before beginning her career in the practice, Lisa is no stranger to organisation and impeccable customer service.

Lisa has worked for Jim since 2014 loves her varied role that incorporates customer service and corporate compliance officer.

You'll catch Lisa on her bike cycling the rail trail when she's not at JPA and when she gets the chance, loves a quiet read too. All this of course is in addition to her #1 role of being a mum of three.

Karen Newton | Director of First Impressions

Karen has worked in the region for more than 33 years which is where she raised her children, and just like JPA, Karen recognises the importance of family.

She loves the team environment at JPA and looks forward to assisting clients to ensure they have the best experience possible.

The JPA Team

Jim Pickersgill | Managing Director + Butter Maker